Yes. If you need help understanding your rights and how to exercise them, you have the right to free information and assistance. Here are some places you can get help.

• State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Each state offers a SHIP program, partly funded by the federal government to give you free counseling and assistance. SHIP help may be available by phone or in person. Your local SHIP can help you:
  • Learn about your Medicare plan options (Medicare HMOs, Medigaps, etc.)
  • Understand your Medicare Summary Notices
  • Coordinate supplemental insurance plans with Medicare
  • Appeal coverage denials
  • Find out if you qualify for other assistance programs
  • Find out how to save on your prescription drug costs
  • Learn about other area agencies that can offer additional assistance
  
  
  To find your state's SHIP contact information, click on the link in the LINKS box.

• Medicare. The federal government has a toll-free number (800-MEDICARE) and a web site (www.medicare.gov) to help you get basic information about Medicare coverage and your private health plan options.
  To learn more, click on the link in the GO TO box.

• Social Security. The federal government has a toll-free number (800-772-1213) and a web site (www.ssa.gov) to help you get basic information about Social Security Benefits, Medicare eligibility and help paying for the Medicare Part D drug benefit ("Extra Help").